though not simple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though not simple" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something is complex or challenging, despite not being straightforward. For example: "The solution is effective, though not simple." Alternative expressions include "albeit not easy" and "even if it's complicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Socrates," though not simple, is simply beautiful: the most sensuously attractive new choreography that I have seen by Mr. Morris in more than 10 years.

The New York Times - Arts

The experiment Yang described, though not simple, would go like this: The researchers hoped to obtain, from a hospital in New York, the ovaries of a woman undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer caused by a mutation in a gene called BRCA1.

MIT Technology Review

The rest of this story, though not simple, was forgone.

Los Angeles Times

(1) The physical basis for the derivation of R0 s and R0 w shows perhaps more imagination than sound science and the recursive eqs 68 and 69 seem counterproductive, but the results may well be serviceable though not simple to apply.

Chemical Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It is, though, not quite that simple.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Another 14 percent had given many things away to family and friends, and 23 percent had donated to a charity or community groups, probably the simplest way (though still not simple) to get rid of stuff.

The New York Times

"That is not simple, though, that is very difficult.

The Guardian - Sport

Switching form is not simple, though, as countless runners who have tried will attest".I think that experienced runners are able to change stride pattern" relatively easily, Mr. Kulmala said".But nonexperienced runners find it more difficult".

The New York Times

They are quite simple, though, not too frilly.

WikiHow

Other methods (though not as popular) include simple layering, tip layering, trench layering, serpentine layering, and mound layering.

WikiHow

So I said that, yes, I took the name from the tree and yes, I am aware it was considered a magical tree, and a protective one in the Celtic tradition, and that this mattered a little, though not as much as the simple fact that the tree is native to Ireland.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "though not simple" to acknowledge potential challenges or complexities, balancing expectations when introducing an idea or plan. This honesty builds trust and allows for better preparation.

Common error

Avoid using "though not simple" when the complexity is already evident or implied. Redundant use weakens your writing and makes it sound less concise. If the context clearly shows something is complex, a simple statement of its features will suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though not simple" functions as an adverbial modifier to qualify a preceding statement. It introduces a contrast, indicating that despite a certain quality (unstated but implied), something is not easy or uncomplicated. Ludwig provides examples that showcase its modifying role.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "though not simple" serves as a valuable tool for adding nuance and managing expectations in writing. As Ludwig highlights, its primary function is to qualify a statement, indicating that something is not as straightforward as it might initially appear. Grammatically correct and versatile in register, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. While "though not simple" is a useful phrase, overuse or redundant application should be avoided to maintain writing conciseness. Ludwig AI's analysis emphasizes the importance of using it thoughtfully to enhance, not detract from, clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not straightforward

Replaces "simple" with a synonym focusing on the lack of directness.

albeit complex

Emphasizes the complexity, replacing "simple" with its direct opposite.

although intricate

Highlights the detailed and complicated nature, differing by specifying the type of complexity.

even if complicated

Focuses on complication as a potential obstacle, changing the connector and adjective.

while sophisticated

Indicates advanced and complex nature, suggesting a higher level of detail.

despite its complexity

Directly acknowledges complexity as a contrast, rephrasing the entire structure.

complex though it may be

Inverts the phrase structure to emphasize the complexity upfront.

not as easy as it seems

Shifts focus to the apparent ease versus actual difficulty, implying deception.

complicated, yet...

Shortens the phrase while retaining the core meaning of complexity despite something else.

more involved than it appears

Suggests the process has many elements, changing the adjective to "involved".

FAQs

How can I use "though not simple" in a sentence?

You can use "though not simple" to introduce a contrasting idea where something might appear straightforward but has underlying complexities. For example, "The concept is elegant, "though not simple", requiring careful execution."

What are some alternatives to "though not simple"?

Alternatives include phrases like "albeit complex", "even if complicated", or "not straightforward", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "though not simple" the same as "although not simple"?

"Though not simple" and "although not simple" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. "Although" is generally considered more formal, while "though" can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

When should I use "though not simple" versus "simple, but not easy"?

Use "though not simple" when you want to emphasize that something isn't as straightforward as it might seem initially. Use "simple, but not easy" when the concept is basic, but the execution requires skill or effort.